Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Aug 22: US President Donald Trump has said Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and described the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “American territory” amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Addressing a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Trump warned that Iran could not be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon, claiming that the United States had already taken steps to prevent Tehran from obtaining one.
“We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon; we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, or you will see some very bad things,” Trump said. “We went down, and we stopped them; they will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump also said Iran was eager to reach an agreement with the United States but questioned whether Washington would accept a deal.
Referring to the Strait of Hormuz, he asserted that the United States currently had control over the strategically important waterway.
“They want to make a deal so badly, we don't even know if we want [a deal] because I view the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now, it's an American territory,” Trump said.
Earlier, while speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews before leaving for Myrtle Beach, Trump claimed that the United States had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and appeared to support treating the strategic waterway as US territory.
“We have total control -- if you look at the blockade, we have total control of that entire region having to do with the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
Trump reiterated that Iran wanted an agreement but was not prepared to accept what he considered the right terms.
“So they would love to make a deal, but they're not ready to make the right deal in my opinion,” he said.
The remarks came amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies passes.
The strategic waterway has emerged as a major flashpoint in the confrontation, with any disruption to shipping potentially affecting international energy markets and regional security.
Meanwhile, Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff Major General Ali Abdollahi said Tehran was prepared to respond to what he described as new threats from the United States.
“With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defence and cyberspace, Iran's armed forces will respond to the enemy's new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses,” Iranian media quoted Abdollahi as saying.
Iran has suffered severe damage to its economy and conventional military capabilities during the conflict. However, Tehran retains missile and drone capabilities that could threaten oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and potentially target locations across the region.
The latest exchange of statements comes as Washington considers tougher economic measures against Iran and warns countries against providing financial or economic support to Tehran, further increasing uncertainty over the future of the conflict and efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.